He graduated from Floydada High School in 1971, and he became a farmer. He married Jamye Berry on May 28, 1988, in Farwell. He owned Royce’s Repair Shop in Farwell and he hauled cotton for the Farwell Gin. He served two terms on the Farwell City Council. Family members said he was a avid golfer, enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a lover of life and cherished time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife, Jamye Bethel of Farwell; two daughters, Shelly Smith of Clovis, and Jamie Bethel of Amarillo; his mother; sister, Sue Shelton of Clovis; brother, Rogene (and wife Tammy) of Arlington, Texas; and two grandchildren, Aubrey and Daleaney Brewer both of Amarillo.